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D.C. Operator Profits From Owning A Gas Station

Alexander, 47, also a board director of the National Limousine Association, has a sprawling $25 million transportation empire that includes RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, Orange Taxi and his BP station. He can give himself discounts on gas and repairs.

Alexander, 47, also a board director of the National Limousine Association, has a sprawling $25 million transportation empire that includes RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, Orange Taxi and his BP station. He can give himself discounts on gas and repairs.

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- In 2001, Robert Alexander, owner of RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, plopped down nearly $500,000 for a BP gas station on Rockville Pike in Montgomery County that has three service bays, two mechanics and a helper.

Now, the $1.3 million he spends on maintenance and fuel mostly goes into his own pocket, instead of someone else’s. The move is an example of vertical integration, right out of a Management 101 playbook in which you own the businesses above and below you on the supply and service chain. It allows you to better control your costs as well as the quality of the work.

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